Celebrate Neighborhood Toy Store Day on November 11

Wouldn’t it be nice if holiday shopping made you feel more like a kid again? The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) will kick off the holiday shopping season on Saturday, Nov. 11 with Neighborhood Toy Store Day, a celebration of all things local, fun and, of course, kid-friendly.

Neighborhood Toy Store Day takes place every year at the start of the holiday shopping season. It’s an annual reminder that neighborhood toy stores play an important role in their communities, from creating local jobs to educating the next generation. Celebrations at local toy shops across the country will feature crafts, entertainment, scavenger hunts and more. In keeping with the holiday season, many stores will also offer promotional discounts and charity toy drives.

While you’re celebrating, keep in mind that Neighborhood Toy Store Day is just one of the many valuable programs organized by ASTRA. The association formed in 1992 to support specialty toy stores across the country and around the world. Today, ASTRA represents more than 1,800 businesses that are dedicated to providing unique and educational toys for children. ASTRA puts a particular emphasis on specialty toys, which are designed around what children can do, rather than what their toys can do.

In addition to Neighborhood Toy Store Day, ASTRA maintains a wealth of educational resources for business owners. ASTRA Academy features certification programs, webinars, downloadable resources and more for its member businesses. Each year, ASTRA’s Marketplace & Academy event brings together specialty toy retailers, manufacturers and experts for a four-day trade show and conference with more than 30 hours of education. The next Marketplace & Academy will take place in June 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Whether it’s educating today’s business owners or tomorrow’s leaders, ASTRA brings fun to the buy local movement. Find a neighborhood toy store near you to begin your holiday shopping the festive, fun and local way. To learn more about the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association, visit www.astratoy.org.